The Pioneer LaserActive is a hybrid LaserDisc/video game machine, released in late 1993 that, through the use of various add-on modules, could play Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and NEC TurboGrafx 16/PC Engine games. NEC also licensed the player design from Pioneer and created one with their own livery – the NEC PCE-LD1 player accompanied by the PCE-LP1 PAC. These are internally identical to the CLD-A100 and PAC-N1, with only cosmetic differences.
Though once a written-off novelty that could be found for pennies on the dollar in various thrift stores, the LaserActive has found a resurgence in popularity (and value) over the past few years. This new level of attention has also revealed that the LaserActive and its PACs have numerous latent issues that, left unaddressed, can cause damage to the player and/or PACs. Further, the number of people who are skilled at servicing and remedying these problems are quite few, likely owing to the cost of the system and level of technical expertise required to understand the various modes of failure.
I and Simon Lock (aka Aergan) have attempted to document and broadcast our various trials and tribulations with each player we have serviced via Twitter/X (and now BlueSky), but searching social media for technical solutions is not always the most straightforward endeavor. Enter ConsoleMods.org – since the wiki went live, I have undertaken the task to curate the tribal knowledge that Simon and I have developed into one convenient source:
LaserActive Wiki: https://consolemods.org/wiki/LaserActive:LaserActive_Mods_Wiki
Every fix, critical service bulletin or preventative maintenance tip we have developed over the years has been documented in the wiki for posterity and more are added as they are discovered.
Additionally, I have developed a series of enhancements for the CLD-A100, PAC-S1/10 and PAC-N1/10:
- CLD RGB/SV/AIO: A no-cut modification that allows for RGB video output directly from the PACs via a Genesis/Mega Drive 2 9-pin cable (CSYNC SCART or HD Retrovision). The SV variant adds S-video functionality that buffers the Luma and Chroma signals post-comb filtering and outputs through a standard 4 pin S-video DIN. Since this video signal has not been sent through the DSP that combines the OSD and video, this is the video signal only as it comes from the disc. Finally, the AIO variant adds AC-3 RF capability via an RCA coaxial jack for those who have the specialized equipment to demodulate and decode the signal.
- CLD PD: A drop-in, plug-and-play power supply board replacement that utilizes USB Power Delivery. The original power supply board is typically adequate and safe after proper servicing, but many have suffered corrosion or electrolytic damage that may compromise the integrity of the circuit. There have been instances of the optocoupler failing, which causes the output voltage to charge higher than designed for and damage critical components in the player that are irreplaceable. The CLD PD was developed to replace these failing supplies as well as provide a means for use without a step-down transformer in non-US/JP territories.
- PAC ATTACK for PAC-S1/10 – An audio bypass that implements the same audio circuit from the Triple Bypass (3BP) and applies the same rebalancing of audio to better match the Genesis/MD Model 1 VA3. This modification also obviates the need to repair audio circuit damage that is extremely common on the PACs (lifted capacitor pads, mostly).
- PAC WORLD for PAC-S1/10 – A modification that allows for switching the region between JP and US when playing cartridge games. Simply hold the LaserActive’s RESET button upon boot. The change is non-persistent and reverts at next boot-up.
- PAC WORLD N for PAC-N1/10 – A multi-function modification that allows for:
- region changing to play HuCard games by holding the LaserActive RESET button at bootup, which also allows for use of the ARCADE card on the PAC-N10. Region change is non-persistent and reverts at next power up.
- Duo ASIC disablement to allow playback of CD games from the Turbo Everdrive Pro (TED Pro) by holding the TED Pro reset button at bootup. Also non-persistent.
- Stereo audio modification for TED Pro CD audio output
Once properly serviced, the LaserActive is actually a great way to enjoy Sega Genesis/MD and NEC TG16/PCE games. There’s nothing quite like powering up a behemoth LaserDisc player to play your favorite classics, and don’t forget the various Mega LD and LDROM2 titles!